CA Could Soon Start ‘Certifying’ Certain Groceries In Its War On Junk Food

California would create the nation's first seal of approval for healthy foods that aren't ultra-processed under a bill announced this week by a state legislator.

AB 2244 would establish a “California Certified” seal that food manufacturers could place on products that meet certain nutritional standards — essentially, not being highly processed junk food. It would also require grocery stores to prominently display those products.

The bill is the latest effort in the state to crack down on junk food. The state has taken action against ultra-processed foods and artificial dyes in school lunches, for example.

This most recent proposal is modeled after the "USDA Organic Label." The idea is the California seal would make it easier for people to find healthier foods quickly and conveniently, according to Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel, the bill's author.

“Parents shouldn’t need a Ph.D. in chemistry to understand what they’re feeding their kids,” the Encino Democrat said. “Like the USDA Organic label, this new seal will empower consumers with clear, trustworthy information and make it easier for them to locate healthier foods that are free from harmful additives."

The bill would also require many major grocery stores to "prominently display" a few "California Certified" items.

Gov. Gavin Newsom in October signed a first-of-its-kind law that worked to define ultra-processed foods and will phase them out from being served in California's public schools.

The bill required scientists to work with experts from the University of California to identify "particularly harmful" ultra-processed foods based on scientific research linking them to cancer, cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders, neurological or behavioral issues and more.

The "California Certified" bill uses the same definition for ultra-processed foods as the school law: foods that contain both certain additives like emulsifiers, flavors and preservatives, while also being high in sugar, salt, and fat, or contain non-nutritive sweeteners, Stat News reported.

About a third of packaged foods would be eligible for the "California Certified" label under that definition, a nutrition policy researcher told Stat.

Ultra-processed foods include packaged hot dogs, lunch meats, chips, cookies, candy, and sugary drinks, according to Harvard Health Publishing.

In December, San Francisco became the first U.S. city to sue ultra-processed food manufacturers, accusing the companies of distributing harmful and addictive products for financial gain.

In 2023, California became the first state to ban Red Dye No. 3 and several other chemicals used in cereal, candy, soda and other processed foods.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration followed suit two years later banning Red Dye No. 3. Both the California law and FDA policy take effect next year.

• See also: Ultraprocessed Foods: What Are They, And Are They Bad For You?

U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has repeatedly argued that highly processed foods are “poisoning” the country and are the chief culprit behind an epidemic of chronic diseases such as obesity, diabetes and autoimmune disorders.

Kennedy in January unveiled a new food pyramid to reflect his position.

"Highly processed foods loaded with additives, added sugar and excess salt damage health and should be avoided. As secretary of health and human services, my message is clear — eat real food," he said at the time.